African Wildlife and Environment Issue 70

CONSERVATION

CONSERVATION

was started in2009withthegoal ofmakingadifference to the First Aid and Safety training standards offered to people working in the conservation field. Starting with training nature guides and lodge staff, in 2012 specialist training for Game Guards, Field Rangers and Anti-Poaching Units was started. Because many rangers and their employers could not afford the specialised training that they knew they needed, Douglas decided to establish the Safe Ranger Project, whereby he could do training for the rangers at a vastly subsidised rate. Many courses are sponsored by Douglas himself, some by outside donors while some have been sponsored through a relationship with the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA). The GRAA adopted the Safe Ranger Project and has

Using a unique combination of practical ‘Reality Based Training’ with a strong emphasis on taking students out of the classroom and into the field, this training provides rangers with the type of first aid that theyneed inthefield. Thepractical simulationsprovide the rangers with close to real-life training in how to handle the different trauma and medical emergencies that may arise in their working environments. Over the six years the Safe Ranger Project team has spent a great deal of time with rangers and has developed a deep understanding of rangers’ needs and of the risks, challenges and difficulties they face. The training has been structured to meet the needs of the rangers on the ground. The training also extends to community members surrounding protected areas, thereby helping to build positive relationships with neighbouring people.

Making a difference THE SAFE RANGER PROJECT

Judy Mann

How often have you seen a photo of a dead rhino, read an article about a ranger injured or killed and thought to yourself, “I wish I could make a difference”. Many of us have these thoughts but few of us find a way to really make a difference.

helped to ensure that training is undertaken where it is most needed. Game rangers and especially those in anti-poaching units throughout Africa were initially employed as Field Rangers. Their duties were to patrol reserves; as the eyes and ears of the Section Ranger. They collected biological information and served as a deterrent to stop subsistence poachers. These same field rangers now find themselves in a high-risk anti-poaching environment. Their duties have changed, and the risks have increased dramatically, but their first aid training has often stayed the same – a city-based first aid course - barely enough to cover the basic treatment of minor injuries. These courses are also usually conducted by people with no knowledge

A Cadet Ranger in Northern KZN provides an insight into the type of training undertaken: Awesome training thanks a lot Safe Ranger Project. You take hard things to do and simplify them so our brains can always remember. And the fake wounds, wow, they were like a bonus and so realistic, introducing the brain to reality and showing us how messy a wound can be when someone is hurt and we will have to deal with that. We were so lucky to have you. And as a Cadet... that was surely an experience of a life time. Thanks.

Please consider supporting this project! Email: saferanger@medwisesafety.co.za Website: www.medwisesafety.co.za/ Facebook: SafeRangerProject Instagram saferangerproject Game Rangers Association of Africa www.gameranger.org/what-we-do/projects/169 safe-ranger-project.html

A team of Safe Rangers

D ouglas Lang, Director of MedWise Safety Services, wanted to contribute to conservation, but how could he do this while still trying to keep his fledgling business alive? Douglas realised that, without rangers, there is no conservation. He also realised that most rangers were woefully unequipped to handle a medical emergency in the field. So he founded the ‘Safe Ranger Project’ – where

of what a ranger does. The Safe Ranger Project recognises that Field Rangers and Anti-Poaching unit members have a real need for a first aid course that is practical and involves simulated training in the field. No armed ranger would go into the field without plenty of practice shooting on the range, so too should first aid theory be backed up by realistic simulations – after all – someone’s life may be at stake.

he could combine his skills in First Aid and Emergency care training with the needs of rangers in the field. Through this unique project he has been able to make a difference in the lives of rangers around South Africa, and contribute to conservation. Initially MedWise Safety Services was born out of two passions, one for emergency medical and safety training and the second for conservation. MedWise

Dr Judy Mann eduoceans@gmail.com

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